13 Aug 2009

Fiji regime quiet on presidential candidates

4:08 pm on 13 August 2009

An announcement is expected within two weeks on who will replace Ratu Josefa Iloilo as Fiji's president, but it is not yet known who is in the running.

Ratu Josefa retired at the end of July. Former military commander Ratu Epeli Nailatikau replaced him as acting president.

Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama says the new office holder can be of any race.

A spokesperson for the Information Ministry says an announcement will be made after the next Cabinet meeting in two weeks.

He says he cannot confirm who is on the shortlist to become president and would not discuss whether Commodore Bainimarama is on the list.